America experienced a troubling era characterized by a surge in intolerance, particularly against immigrants and dissenting voices. Under the influence of irrational fears, the government enacted the Sedition Act of 1918, which restricted freedom of expression by criminalizing criticism of government spending and organizations like the YMCA. This reflected a broader climate of repression, where citizens were penalized for simply questioning the status quo.

The climate of fear led to widespread abuses of civil liberties, with law enforcement actively arresting individuals simply for being associated with suspected dissenters. The atmosphere became so oppressive that even friends and family members visiting those in jail were not spared from scrutiny and potential arrest, highlighting the extent of paranoia and intolerance in society during this time.